3 things we clearly learnt about Middlesbrough after their 2-0 loss to Huddersfield

Chris Wilder’s side dropped valuable points as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town.

The Terriers are also chasing a play-off place and moved 10 points clear of Boro with four games remaining.

The Riverside club are now 9th in the Championship table, three points behind 6th place Sheffield United.

Here are three things we learned about Middlesbrough following their 2-0 loss at home on Monday…

Huddersfield have a good record from set pieces, but they were far too dangerous all game.

Naby Sarr gave Boro an initial warning when his great header was saved early in the first half.

But there was nothing the Riverside club could do to stop him putting Carlos Corberan’s side 1-0 up in the 41st minute of the game.

Jordan Rhodes was able to make his way around the back post far too easily as he squared his header for Sarr to set up a simple tap-in to make it 1-0 before half time.

This is more basic stuff that will need to be improved if Wilder’s men have any chance of making the play-offs.

Losing ground on play-off rivals will sting greatly, but a top six finish is absolutely still possible for Wilder’s side.

But the performance did not indicate that Boro are ready to compete for a place in the top flight for next season.

While the gap to 6th place is still attainable, if this is how Middlesbrough intend to perform in the end of season promotion shootout then they won’t stand a chance.

This was a harsh lesson, but one that Boro potentially needed in order to figure out just how much work needs to be done to improve their promotion chances.

Huddersfield Town easily could have added to their 2-0 lead at numerous stages as they ripped through the centre of the Boro team.

Some of the defending on display in open play was